Our Mission

To serve as the gateway for community engagement, education, and inspiration by preserving and sharing Central Florida’s continually unfolding story.

The Orange County Regional History Center is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a member of the American Alliance of Museums. The History Center includes a museum in a historic courthouse, the collection of the Historical Society of Central Florida, the Joseph L. Brechner Research Library, the Emporium Gift Shop, and Heritage Square park. It advances its mission through wide-ranging programs, permanent and traveling exhibits, and limited-run exhibitions from other prestigious institutions.

The History Center's Origins

We continue a mission begun in 1942, in the historic heart of the community.

Museum Affiliations

Message from the Museum Manager

We’ve all heard the expression, “The longest journey begins with but a single step.” This year the History Center is embarking on a long, sometimes arduous journey – one that will take a few years, cost a significant amount of money, and require hard work by a dedicated staff. It will also pave a path to an exciting future.

Get Involved

Membership

Annual pass members of the Historical Society of Central Florida are part of a vibrant community of people who value Central Florida history. Members make a commitment to support education and outreach programs for scores of children each year, as well as the ongoing preservation and conservation of our extensive archives and artifact collection and our wonderful gathering place for the entire community to enjoy – the 1927 Orange County courthouse. Learn more here.

Donate

Your generous donations directly support educational programs for children, the preservation of historic artifacts, maintenance of museum collections, and exhibits that bring our history to life. You can donate online or contact the Development Office at 407-836-8590 for more information.

Planned Giving

A carefully considered, planned gift to Historical Society of Central Florida can secure excellence for future generations while honoring your legacy in perpetuity. The Historical Society offers many ways to give and provides professional, confidential assistance in planning your gift. Learn about a few of the planned giving options here.

Sponsorship

The Historical Society of Central Florida’s corporate sponsorship program provides an excellent platform to support your organization’s marketing and business objectives. Opportunities are available for large and small exhibitions, receptions, and special events. We work closely with corporate sponsors to develop uniquely tailored sponsorship packages that achieve results and provide a return on investment.

Press and media requests

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About the museum

One of Florida’s preeminent cultural institutions, the Orange County Regional History Center advances its mission to honor the past, explore the present, and shape the future through permanent and traveling exhibits, wide-ranging programs, and limited-run exhibitions from other prestigious institutions. With deep roots in Orange County, the History Center opened in 2000 and is operated by Orange County and the nonprofit Historical Society of Central Florida, Inc. Read more about our story.

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Our Location

The History Center is located in the restored 1927 courthouse at Magnolia Avenue and Central Boulevard in the heart of downtown Orlando. Parking is available in the Library Parking Garage at 112 E. Central Blvd. across from the Orlando Public Library. Get directions and a map.